Hurricane Melissa is expected to cause extensive destruction this week as it moves through the Caribbean, with storm trackers closely monitoring the system generating powerful 175mph winds and even stronger gusts.
The hurricane, which hit the Caribbean on Tuesday with a pressure level almost matching that of Hurricane Katrina, has resulted in the deaths of seven individuals according to authorities. Three fatalities occurred in Jamaica, three in Haiti, and one in the Dominican Republic, with one person currently missing in the latter.
The significant threat posed by Melissa has led weather forecasters to vigilantly track the system, anticipating its landfall in multiple nations today.
Based on the latest data from the National Hurricane Center (NHC), a US government agency, the hurricane was located this morning approximately 115 miles southwest of Kingston, Jamaica, and 290 miles outside Guantanamo, Cuba. It is projected to make landfall on Jamaica’s southern coast in the coming hours.
Forecasts indicate that the storm will reach land early, traversing the island diagonally from the south near St Elizabeth parish to the north near St Ann parish.
Prior to the storm’s arrival, the government declared it had taken all necessary precautions, warning of potential catastrophic damage. Prime Minister Andrew Holness cautioned that no infrastructure could withstand the impact of a Category 5 hurricane.
He stated, “There is no infrastructure in the region that can withstand a Category 5. The question now is the speed of recovery. That’s the challenge.”
Reports of landslides, fallen trees, and widespread power outages emerged ahead of the storm, with Jamaican officials foreseeing a slow process for cleanup and damage evaluation. A dangerous storm surge of up to 13 feet (4 meters) is expected along southern Jamaica, raising concerns about coastal hospitals.
Health Minister Christopher Tufton mentioned that some patients were relocated to higher floors as a precaution. The NHC’s latest update warned of the hurricane’s imminent “catastrophic” impact on Jamaica.
The wind warning states, “Tropical storm conditions are already affecting Jamaica, with catastrophic hurricane-force winds expected to intensify this morning. Structural failures, especially in elevated areas where wind speeds could be significantly higher, are probable within the eyewall.”
Melissa is also anticipated to bring substantial rainfall, ranging between 15 to 30 inches in certain parts of Jamaica and southern Hispaniola by Wednesday, as per the NHC.
Another advisory mentions, “Melissa is expected to bring heavy rainfall of 15 to 30 inches to parts of Jamaica and an additional 6 to 12 inches to southern Hispaniola through Wednesday, with localized amounts of up to 40 inches possible. Flash floods and landslides are highly likely.”
Regarding eastern Cuba, a total rainfall of 10 to 20 inches, with local peaks up to 25 inches, is anticipated through Wednesday, posing a significant risk of life-threatening flash floods and landslides.
